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Mae Clair: You’ve Come a Long Way, Writer

I realize 2012 still has a few days remaining before it officially winds to a close, but we’re near enough to bidding it goodbye that I had to take a look back at how I’ve grown as writer and author. When I was a kid, I never appreciated the significance of New Year’s. Now, I seem to measure each passing year in milestones, and 2012 was a milestone that stood on its own.

Why? Because I went from a closet writer to an author. Sure, it’s still an uphill battle but I’m doing something I love and having a blast in the process. When I think of all I’ve accomplished, I’m astounded. And humbled.

02/18: Made my first blog post with much trepidation. Such a greenhorn!

02/29: Received acceptance and contract from Lyrical. Did the happy dance (okay, I needed to be peeled from the ceiling)

02/29: Joined Facebook and set up an author page. *gulp* A huge step for a life-long introvert

03/03: Joined Twitter completely clueless about what I was doing. It’s now my second favorite social media outlet after blogging.

03/25: Blundered my way through my first Six Sentence Sunday post. I thought I could only have six sentences total, post and all (don’t laugh). Good thing I made so many great SSS friends to show me the ropes.

March: At some point during this month I joined Goodreads. Clueless again but it sounded like a place I wanted to hang out. Good move on my part. 🙂

04/05: Invited to join Triberr. Muddled through the initial set-up, shrieking and pulling my hair out until I made sense of what I was doing. It is now an invaluable resource I couldn’t imagine being without.

05/11: Bravely *shaking in my shoes* wrote my first post for my publisher’s blog. Happy to report I survived.

05/29: Created and posted a book trailer for WEATHERING ROCK. Oooh, a new toy to play with. Spontaneous Snoopy dancing.

June: Finish second draft of MYTH AND MAGIC (contemporary mystery/romance) but realize I need to shuffle plot lines around. Overly theaterical Muse throws a tizzy. Thankfully, it is short-lived and we confer on a new strategy.

06/29: Interviewed as an author for the first time by Savannah Rayne. Moi? Nervous and excited. A no-caffeine-needed day.

07/01-07/04: New experience! My first blog hop, the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop with Drea Becraft. Had a blast and learned a lot.

07/07: I resurrect an unfinished manuscript, TWELFTH SUN (contemporary mystery/romance) and my Muse cooperates. We work well when she isn’t being a diva.

07/16: Wrote my first Mythical Monday post: Walking with Werewolves. It’s since become one of my favorite blog topics.

07/20: My first “Wizards with Words” post (then called “Author Spotlight”) with Savannah Rayne. My first time interviewing another author. I liked it! 🙂

08/27: Submitted TWELFTH SUN to my editor at Lyrical Press for consideration. Pins and needles time while I wait.

11/03: While working on BLUE ENCHANTMENT I decide to resurrect an inspirational mystery/ romance called JONAH’S PRAYER

11/06: JONAH’S PRAYER becomes THE SECRET OF ECLIPSE LAKE and the inspirational angle is dropped. Lots of changes to enhance and strengthen the story. It is now a full blown mystery/romance with emphasis on family drama. I’m jazzed! Love these characters!

12/07: WEATHERING ROCK is a Silver Finalist in the monthly Chapter One contest hosted by author, Cheryl Bradshaw. SQUEEE!

22 thoughts on “Mae Clair: You’ve Come a Long Way, Writer”

Mae, what an awesome journey this year has been! I’ve been mentally thinking of all the good things that have happened this year, but I need to write them down in a timeline, as you have. It makes all the accomplishments more prominent, and easier to acknowledge. Congrats to you! You are setting the world on fire. 🙂

Thanks, Sheri. It was such an amazing year. I feel like I’ve learned so much (although I know it’s probably just the tip of the iceberg). I’m looking forward to 2013 and the insights and challenges it’s sure to bring!

Hey Mae, I loved reading your timeline. What a precious moment it must have been for you to travel back over this past year and see all you’ve done. I’ve watched your journey from early March when we hit the Lyrical author loop together. I’d gotten my first contract on 19th Jan, but had stayed silent on the loop just watching the interactions. I’ll never forget you jumping on and seeing one of your first messages where you said you were a newbie. It made me feel like I could jump on too, and then…away I went. Yep, I no longer felt all alone the moment you did that. 🙂 Thank you. You have a magical New Year. Newbies Rock!!!

I like your way of thinking, Joanne! 🙂 And I remember that on the Lyrical Loop….how I was so nervous about introducting myself and then you popped on and it was instant kinship with another newbie. You’ve become such a great friend and have had such an awesome year. 2013 is going to be better for both of us!

Oh yes, it’s been a milestone and spectacular year for Mae Clair the new writer. It’s absolutely amazing how much she accomplished. BUT, oh my– we can only imagine what Mae Clair– the twice published, experienced, gal who knows how to navigate all social media, and marketing wiz will accomplish in 2013!! I’m just so happy and thrilled, and blessed to see my friend and fellow writer soar as high and as far as her fighting spirit, and writing genius will take her. I can’t wait!!! Congrats, my friend.

Thanks so much, Venice. I remember at the end of 2011 when we both agreed we were going to be pubbed in 2012 and we both achieved that dream. It’s been wonderful taking the journey with you at my side. So much still to learn but we’re both making progress. Thanks, as always, for your kind words and unflagging support. You’re a gem!

You prove the fact that dreams do come true, goals can be reached, if you work at it. This post has made me think about the past year. I think I’ll make a time line of my own. Can’t wait to see what you accomplish in 2013! Happy New Year!

Thanks so much, Christy. It’s been a whirlwind having that dream come true and I’m loving every minute of it. I would love to see your own timeline. 2012 was a banner year for you too! I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for both of us!

I’m late to this post but had it on my list of stuff to read. I loved reading your timeline. I tend to keep notes of dates and times of accomplishments I’ve had. You just made me feel less nerdy 🙂 Congratulations on a wonderful first year of writer adventures! xx

Thanks, Cadence. My first year was a blast. 😀 And I actually have a blogging/writing book where I record all my posts, plus I save them by date in my computer so they were easy to find. i am so overly organized I am often accused of being anal, LOL. Happy New Year!